It has been a life-giving trip, from the beginning, November 30 to Perth, then South Africa, the UK, to Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Boise, Weiser, Dallas, Abilene, Dallas, Philadelphia, Dallas, Philadelphi, now to Los Angeles today and Auckland tomorrow. Almost 60,000 kilometers, 14 flights total. I have experienced the deep, abiding, wondrous grace of God--I have traveled better than I could have hoped, had a few medical issues but stayed in good health, most importantly have had great connection and community with family and friends.
Life really is about community, about people. I am richly blessed by great friends and gracious, gifted children. Naomi is amazing, my best friend and life companion. Our daughter, Rebekah, starts her new job in Dallas, Texas today. Ben continues at his job in San Francisco. As young adults they are growing and developing. It is exciting to see them in this stage of life. Walt and Denise Coyle have generously kept me in their home the past several weeks, which has become my home away from home.
I look forward to seeing my friends and colleagues at Laidlaw although it is bittersweet with greetings and then quick goodbyes. Two weeks after I arrive, I lead a conversational retreat with select faculty and pastoral leaders regarding the future of ministry training in a post-Christian context. The following week, I lead a pastoral training event, February 17 in Auckland. That same week the relocation company comes in and packs our home with the loading taking place on Friday, February 19. Naomi and I will stay in a small studio apartment on campus the next two weeks.
Friday evening, February 26, we fly to San Francisco with a couple of days there with Ben (and to break up the journey). Then March 1 we arrive in Dallas for the start of this new chapter in life. Again, more on that later.
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